About Meg

Friday, March 31, 2006

Thursday, March 30, 2006

We all followed the Sago mine story earlier this year, and I'm sure everyone was baffled that one man was rescued alive. I have followed the headlines on Randal McCloy only sporadically, but I was pleased to see the happy headlines on Goolge News today proclaiming that he is going home.

His is a story of survival and the resilience of the human body and mind. It is also a story of medical wonder and dedicated doctors who were willing to think outside the box to help this man recover.

But most importantly, it is a remarkable love story of a wife refusing to leave her husband's side, and refusing to give up on him at his lowest point. A woman who will help him through the therapy he will have to complete in upcoming months and maybe even years.

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

You see, today, due to recent copy-cat bomb threats posted in the girls' and boys' bathrooms, I heeded the advice of Mrs. Principal to only let kids go to the bathroom in the strictest emergencies. In other words, I did not let any of my forty-four darlings go during choir rehearsal today.

Well, you can bet that made them mad, and at least two kids told me that I am on the wrong side of the law in this matter. I laughed and one of my snottiest girls said, "You're laughing, but you won't be in jail!!"

I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing harder. I think I just looked away from her so I wouldn't open up and laugh 'till I was crying and rolling around on the floor. That, you see, wouldn't be good for her self-esteem.

In other news...

Happy Birthday, Beverly!

Who didn't read the Ramona books as a child? A heartfelt Happy Birthday wish goes out to Beverly Cleary, who will be 90 on April 12.

Momentary Panic

Just read the Google News headline: Cyclone nears WA coast.

Uhhh...how is it I haven't heard about this? Turns out the WA stands for West Australia, not Washington's post code.

Yes, folks, it's true--I'm on a work-out roll again. That elliptical machine is great for me, and I find with a good magazine in front of me and a bottle of water, I can spend long amounts of time on it and not mind.

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Not that I was considering it in the first place...but when you've got politicians who are more worried about "public morality" than the fact that you can buy a gun without a waiting period at a gun show, well, it sort of makes me think that their priorities are just a teensy weensy bit out of whack.

What am I talking about?

There is a state law in Mississippi banning the sale of sex toys. God forbid you buy an "intimate device" for private use in your own home. Instead, why don't you go to the gun show and buy a shotgun?

The pure craziness of the issues people take on with such fervor absolutely astounds me.

**For the record--my stance on sex toys as a form of entertainment shall remain private, thankyouverymuch, but I just had to comment on the stupidity of this law, when there are much bigger issues to worry about.

I Have to Say, I'm Glad For This Man

My Western sensibilities just can't tolerate the thought of someone being put to death for converting to another religion in the 21st century. I was unsure what role I wanted the U.S. and its allies to have in bringing about freedom for this man, but I certainly did not want to see him killed, either.

I don't look at it as a "victory for Christianity" or anything like that. I look at it as a victory for freedom of thought and religion. I only hope that in my lifetime, the people who were calling for his death will see it that way, too.

Way To Go, Dougal MacHealthy!

I'm so proud of the Scots! First they had the intelligence to produce the Cooper family (my great-great-grandfather, John Savage Cooper, was born in Scotland, and came to America in the 1870s. I was the first of his line to go back...just a little point I'm proud of), but now they are banning smoking in pubs and restaurants. Good for them!

Of course, it will be a difficult change for some, but really, they'll start to love it when they can pull totties in tartens without risking lung cancer.

Maybe another trip to Scotland is in order...

A Horrible Day for Motorsports

Indy Racing League driver Paul Dana died from injuries sustained in a practice crash today. I don't follow IRL racing, only NASCAR, but a death in any series sends shock waves through all of motorsports. It brings home the danger of this sport.

My thoughts go out to his family, friends and teammates tonight.

Big News in Aviation

The Airbus A380 passed it's safety test today. As someone who loves long-haul travelling, this could be potentially big news for me (future trips between London and San Francisco perhaps?).

How Compatible Are You?

Yeah, it's a bit wierd, but it's also kinda fun...find your favorite celebrity (alphabetized by first name) and find out how compatible you are based on biorythms...

Friday, March 24, 2006

I just booked 3 nights at the Dominion Grand Hotel in downtown Victoria. I'm going to get there by car and ferry. I leave April 3rd and return on the 7th. As I really, really, really need a few days out of town, I'm absolutely thrilled right now.

Here's the hotel:

The bar:

It's within walking distance of the major attractions, so I can leave my car at the hotel and cruise around on foot--however, I will be able to drive out to Butchart Gardens without worrying about public transport. Lovely! Though I've just read that there are tours that depart from the lobby...hmmm.

I have so much I want to do--the gardens, of course, and the museums, but I also want to have High Tea at the Empress Hotel if I can. It's so la-di-da that they won't let you in if you're wearing jeans. That's right up my alley--I love dressing up and I'm Little Miss Drink Your Tea, British Style, anyway.

Oh, my friends...I am so in need of a getaway right now! School has been crazy, the weather topsy-turvy, and I do so love my adventures in travel. BONUS: This excursion requires a passport, and takes me to a country I've not yet been to.

Has anyone else noticed the depressing headlines today? Riots in Belarus, riots in Paris. An Afghan man who might possibly be sentenced to death because he converted to Christianity. Global warming melting Greenland faster than we thought. Bird flu.

Good grief! It's enough to give me indigestion. Therefore, from here on out, only cheerful headlines in this blog update.

Take a Bow, Frodo

The world is a stage, they say...and apparently, the 12-hour extended version of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings is not enough for some people. I personally don't think you can top Sir Ian McKellan as Gandolph or Viggo (oh-my-goodness-what-a-lust-worthy-man) Mortensen as Aragorn. Hell, you'd even be hard-pressed to cast a Frodo with huge, beautiful baby blues like Elijah Wood.

But for the LOTR aficionados out there, there is going to be a stage version.

More power to 'em. I love the theatre but in this case, I think I'll save my money, stay at home and watch the DVDs in my pajamas.

The Resemblance Really is Striking

I don't pay much attention to "American Idol," but all this coverage about some kid with the nickname Chicken Little made me laugh. I was perusing Google's entertainment news page when I saw a picture of him...and by God, this kid really does look a bit like Chicken Little!

Kathy will be thrilled! Gary Oldman is definitely coming back for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Could anyone else do it? I think not.

I Would Pay to See This

I mean I'd pay a lot.

Oh, who am I kidding...I'd pay money to watch Robbie Williams eat his breakfast, or read a book, or pick his nose hairs--if he has nose hairs...

But yeah, I'd definitely be happy to pay to watch him run around in shorts. For a charitable cause? All the better. Bring it on.

Google News Alert: Snoopy

You know I'm just killing time for the hell of it when I put "Snoopy" in the Google News search. But I did find this very nice article about "Snoopy's Legal Guardian" Jeannie Schulz, widow of Charles "Sparky" Schulz, and her involvement with the museum built near their Santa Rosa home.

FYI--it's a lovely museum. I went to the opening with Summer, and I was so moved by it I had tears in my eyes--especially at seeing Schulz's re-created studio. I then walked over to the Snoopy Gallery and Gift Shop and spent $250.

Right...that's all I can find tonight, and I need to be thinking about my shower and bedtime. I have an early start tomorrow.

Sunday, March 19, 2006

Today marks the first time in 20 years that an African-American will start a race in the premiere NASCAR series. Bill Lester qualified 19th for today's race in Atlanta, GA.

There have been starts by African Americans in the Truck Series and the "minor league" Busch Series, but in Nextel Cup (the former Winston Cup) Series, it has been an astounding 20 years since Willy T. Ribbs ran in a race at Michigan.

What is really astounding is that this hasn't been Big News from the track. I can't find much mention of it on NASCAR's official site or the various message boards I frequent. Fox did an interview with Bill Lester this morning, and that was the first time I realized that he was starting today's race.

I personally think it's awesome news. One reason is that NASCAR has a reputation as being the "Southern Good Ole Boy" sport. I know most of my friends were surprised as hell when I first started watching, and many still scratch their heads over my devotion to a sport where people camp out at the track all weekend with Confederate flags waving above their RVs (I'm still opposed to the Confederate flag as a symbol, but that's another story for another blog). I am about as Southern as I am a bunny rabbit. The closest I've been to being in the South is Disney World in Florida and the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Of course, there is also the opportunity to provide another role model for some of the African American children out there who need one. There have been some amazing role models out there--Michael Jordan immediately comes to mind--but there have also been some not-so-great role models, especially as players in the NBA, NFL and Major League Baseball (and I'm talking all races, here) seem to become more and more corrupted by the huge paychecks they receive. NASCAR drivers tend to be, as a whole, a little bit more wholesome and down-to-earth than other atheletes. They are not perfect, but the sport does seem to inspire more of a "family" image. Most drivers are 100% devoted to family, team and racing, if a weekly column at nascar.com is any indication.

Some articles are asking if Bill Lester should be such a big story today. At first, I agreed, but then I read the following quote from the article linked above:

"I look forward to the day when we're not having to talk about it and about what Bill Lester did,'' said driver Jeff Burton. "That's when we know we're where we need to be. But we've got to be here first and it's good that we're here."

This is true--and while we're here, it's heart-warming to read about the support Lester is receiving from his fellow drivers.

So good luck, Bill Lester. I wish you all the best today.

"For me, racing on the big stage is exciting. My goal for tomorrow is to go 500 miles, to add knowledge to my database and earn the respect of my competitors."

Or bottom of the morning, as the case may be, if you slept in because it's been a freakin' long week...by the way, it's a non-student day, which is why I don't have to go in. : )

Today's blog update comes to you entirely in green writing, as it is, of course, that famous Irish holiday that even the Irish barely celebrate anymore. I am well aware that green clashes horribly with my Little Pink Blog, but I don't care.

It has been a hell of a week, to say the least. Monday started with a morning sub job and a hyper-active choir rehearsal in the auditorium. I went home that afternoon and crashed for three hours.

Tuesday dawned bright and early with a rather startling headline in the newspaper that I've told most of you about, and culminated in a long, crazy day.

For starters, I had to sub for an 8th grade science teacher in the morning. I got the "honor" of reading an email from the principal to his first period class regarding the shocking headline from the newspaper. In other words, I got to answer the question, "what's voyeurism?"

Yeah.

Anyway, I made it through that, rehearsed my choir, which was pretty hyper and nervous, then subbed the last to periods for a math teacher.

I was home that afternoon by 3:00, and spent two-and-a-half hours eating lunch, and working on the computer. Then it was back to school for the middle school music concert.

My group was first. Of course, when they started arriving at 6:15, all the way up to 7:00 when they walked on stage, they were noisy, active and I couldn't say more than two words to them at a time. And I was NERVOUS! My mouth was dry, my heart was pounding...it was not a fun feeling.

They did great, though. Our program was "From Bach to Rock," and included the following:

1. Hey Guitar Teacher (a Bach piece with funny lyrics made up for a great CD)

2. Just For Elise (another from the above CD)

3. Yankee Doodle

4. New York, New York

5. Hound Dog

6. Johnny B. Goode

I had different kids give short readings before each song, and a group of girls dancing during Hound Dog. The parents seemed pleased, and the teachers and Mrs. Principal were all very complimentary. The kids seemed better pleased with this performance than our December performance, and I was, too.

So that was a huge relief--getting the concert out of the way. My week settled down only a tiny bit, though.

Wednesday morning I subbed again, this time for a 6th grade teacher. That was easy-peasy. First period watched a video, 2nd period had library time, and 3rd period had a study hall. I know most of the kids pretty well, and they were beautifully behaved. Choir was pretty easy that day, as well. We talked about the concert and I praised them for staying cool during a couple of technical glitches that occured with our CDs.

Then I passed out a worksheet and got busy myself going through their folders. Grades are due on Monday for the second trimester, and I was a bit behind where I wanted to be.

Wednesday evening I helped with the 5th grade music concert (as the 5th grade choir teacher had done sound for me the night before). That was easy and quite fun, actually. I've never worked sound before. It wasn't a very big job, as most of his songs were piano-accompaniment only, so all I had to do was mute the microphones when they were setting up, unmute them, then press Play on Bob's iPod at the appropriate time!

Thursday I went to work a couple of hours early. I didn't have to sub in the morning, which was nice. I sat down and got through a lot of student folders. The high school secretary called to ask me to sub 6th period only for a PE teacher who had to leave for a track meet. Every hour helps the ole paycheck, so I agreed.

By the time it was time to get over there, I had about 15 student folders I hadn't finished, so I got a box to haul them home. I could have gone in today, but the thought of grading in my pajamas with a pot of tea in front of me sounded much better!

The subbing was easy--I spent an hour dribbling a basketball and watching the kids play basketball. Another PE teacher was nearby and had told the kids he'd be watching them, too. No one gave me any trouble.

After school I drove down to Silverdale. I needed a couple of mundane things at Target and I wanted to get some books. I picked up a couple of pithy romances and the war memoirs of Major Dick Winters of Band of Brothers. Can't wait to read that, though it will wait 'till I've finished my current read, I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. Then I came home and relaxed.

So here I am, on Friday. It's the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow--all this work, and now I can relax a bit. Of course, I need to finish my grading, but I'm confident that I can get that done today.

The rest of the weekend is for relaxing! I've got a bunch of extras to watch on my new Harry Potter DVD, and a scrapbook to work on.

I am sorry that Summer couldn't come visit. She was supposed to come to my neck of the woods today, but hasn't been feeling well. Another time!

In other news, I get to help out on an upcoming 6th grade field trip to Victoria, British Columbia. I'm excited. Mrs. Principal said I can go along as a chaperone. The alternative would be to sit in my office for an hour-and-a-half, twiddling my thumbs with no class to teach.

So that's my week. Crazy headlines that made school a bit surreal, choir concerts, big-time hours in subbing, and hyper kids. Not to mention a lot of paperwork to see to today. I guess I'd better get on it. I allowed myself to stay up late chatting with Heather last night (oh, the things we come up with on AIM) and therefore did not get a very early start today.

Monday, March 13, 2006

Just a note to let everyone know I'm thinking of them--the next couple of days might be kind of busy--and therefore quiet on my end.

Tomorrow I am subbing all day and have a choir concert in the evening--always stressful! Wednesday and Thursday are grading days--the trimester ends on Thursday and grades are due Monday. I'll spend part of my weekend working on that, but also part of it showing Summer around the area, as she is visiting WA this weekend.

Sunday, March 12, 2006

Dad helped me get the scanner up and running today, so I scanned some pics for fun, after spending some time scanning my college transcripts, letters of rec, etc. so I can apply for jobs online (so much easier than the old hunting, gathering and mailing).

Anyway, here they are. They're quite small, though.

First, we've got Meg as a high school senior, showing her stuff on the Folsom High School football field at a halftime show. Wasn't I cute?

Now, some pics from London Semester 1999.

First, the gorgeous Leeds Castle:

Now the view from a tower at Warwick Castle:

Inverness--the gorgeous highland town at the northeastern end of Loch Ness:

Loch Ness--no monster, sorry--and if you strain your eyes, you can just make out the ruins of Castle Urquhart:

And a closer pic of Castle Urquhart and Loch Ness (still no monster):

Just a little trip down memory lane! Now, if only I could figure out how to make them appear bigger...

Saturday, March 11, 2006

My family...I swear we are gluttons for punishment, or drama, or something.

We're moving, folks.

Yes, you read that right. No need to have your eyes checked or anything. After one year in Washington, Mom and Dad have decided to sell the house and return to California. Not to Folsom--too crowded--but probably to the Roseville/Rocklin area. They don't like the gray skies, they don't like being so remote, they miss their friends, etc.

Notice I said "we" above. While Mom and Dad are gung-ho about moving back, I'm not quite as "yipee-ki-yay" about it. Honestly, the thought of a 110-degree July makes me want to throw up. And the air quality! I've just spent the last year-and-a-half living in places where the sky is actually blue. I don't mind the cold, or the rain, or the snow. I'm actually pretty okay with these things.

I can understand their reasons for moving. Hey, they tried it, it didn't work out. The point is, they tried it. And the truth is, if I had my choice, I'd be going back to England...but if that's going to happen, it will have to be in a year or two.

So it looks like I might end up in California in the immediate future. There seem to be more jobs opening up there, and until I'm working full-time, I'll need the kindness of my parents for a place to stay. If they are in Cali, so am I.

It's not all bad, though. I can't overlook the fact that I have a great network of TERRIFIC friends in California, and I just don't have a social life here in Washington. I live in a retirement community, for crying out loud!

Anyway. That's my news. It's a lot to chew on. And for the moment I want to stop thinking about it and keep blogging.

Read Anything Good Lately?

I just finished a book by Ellen Feldmen, called "Lucy." It's a fictionalized account of the affair between Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife's social secretary, Lucy Mercer Rutherford. I really enjoyed it and had a hard time putting it down.

Now I'm moving on to some re-reads. Books I haven't read in a while, that is. But my question for all of my book-loving friends is this: What have you read lately that has knocked your socks off? Anything I'd enjoy? Feel free to add a comment to this blog update or email me.

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

I put in a full day subbing for the band teacher today. He had taken the high school band on a trip to a festival (apparently they did very well), so while my morning was a sleeper, my afternoon was busy. I taught my own choir during 4th period, then 5th grade brass during 5th. Sixth period is 7th/8th grade band and the last class of the day.

I was happily rehearsing the band when a kid comes into the band room telling everyone, "There's a bomb threat! We have to leave!"

Way to go, hon. Shout that out in a room full of 40-something middle school kids with band instruments.

I called the office to confirm this. It was true. I missed the announcement because we had been playing "West Side Story" at a high volume.

I got everyone pushed out the door. Fortunately, the band room has a back door that goes directly out to the field where everyone meets up during emergency drills. They report to their second period teacher, so I didn't have to do anything...

...except stand in a harsh, cold wind with rain pelting down on me. I'd had the foresight to grab my coat, and a good thing. It's waterproof and has a hood, but it doesn't keep a gal dry on her jeans-clad legs.

The campus houses three different schools--elementary (3-5), middle (6-8) and high (9-12)--all in one large, L-shaped campus. I could see the high school had evacuated, and figured the elementary school did, too.

School gets out at 2:20, and the bomb threat came in at about 2:10, so when the bell rang, we dismissed the kids to the busses out front.

I finally left at about 2:40, and drove out on the street in front of the school. I had forgotten that the elementary school gets out later than the other two--those poor little mites and their teachers were still out on the field, in driving rain and harsh wind, waiting for the all-clear from the Jefferson County Sheriff! They'd been out there at least 30 minutes. What a nightmare.

So that's my adventure of the day. I don't think the bomb threat was very credible (who's going to get to the out-of the way 6th grade girl's loo without being noticed?!?), but every case has to be treated as if it is real. Even on rainy, windy, COLD days.

And I did all of these things and managed to go through some papers that really needed to be sifted. I now have a massive batch of papers to shred, and I have a large bag full of paper down in the recycle bin. The rest will be filed...eventually.

But I am very proud of myself. I even managed to wash my sheets and towels. I try to do those weekly but have been slacking lately.

Oh, and I had a very cool surprise. A month or so ago I got a survey in the mail adressed to me as the owner of a Mazda Protege. I set it aside thinking, "maybe I'll do it sometime." Tonight I opened it and it contained a crisp (real) $1 bill! How often do you open random mail and get paid a buck for doing it?

Speaking of money, it turns out I have about 90 pounds sitting in my English bank account. I thought I was broke and therefore didn't bother opening the last statement that was sent. Imagine my surprise! With the current exchange rate, that's $156.33!

In other news, the sub jobs are rolling in. I had two calls today--one from the middle school, one from the elementary school, for two different days. I subbed yesterday, this morning, and will sub all day tomorrow and in the afternoon on Thursday. Friday I'm going shopping. I have a Harry Potter DVD to buy!

Saturday, March 04, 2006

Okay, so we left off on the Space Needle, 520 feet up. Here's downtown and Elliott Bay:

Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains in the distance (I live very near the mountains):

East of Downtown:

Close-up of Downtown:

Ferry on Elliott Bay (most likely the Bainbridge Ferry):

I spent some time up top, enjoying the view, calling Mom and Dad and leaving a message for Melissa. I had an Italian Soda from the only Starbucks at that altitude in Seattle, then went back down to the ground. Once safely on solid ground again, I took this very cool shot:

I finally found the bus I'd been looking for, and took it about 5 minutes west to Pike Street. Got off there and walked three blocks to the market and Kells, my favorite Irish pub in Seattle. Had a lovely meal of shepherd's pie and salad, then I set off to walk through part of the famous Pike Street Market.

Famous sign:

Next I took this picture of an extremely nasty creature called a monk fish:

I stopped by a coin shop to get my brother a birthday present (he collects coins, and will be 35 on the 14th--don't worry, I'm not spoiling anything, he doesn't have much to do with the internet, so he won't see this blog).

Then I made my way down (literally--lots of stairs) to the waterfront. I found myself across the street from the Seattle Aquarium and thought, "Heh...I'd kinda like to see that."

A pic of the Belltown district of Seattle while I waited in line to buy a ticket:

It was great! Parts of it are open air, creating a nice envioronment for some of the mammals they have.

Now this is cool--you walk through a huge dome, and you are surrounded by sea life:

Salmon overhead (they're just babies...):

A tide pool:

After the aquarium, I started back towards the fery terminal, stopping to take some waterfront pics (following) and poking into the touristy shops along the way.

Finally, it was time to go. My feet were killing me, my legs felt like mush, and I was getting tired. I got on the Bainbridge ferry and set off towards my car and the journey home. Of course, I had to get some pics of Seattle in the light of the setting sun...

Spent a lovely sunny day in Seattle. The last few times I've been to that fabulous city, it's been cloudy and/or rainy. So having some sunshine was wonderful.

I parked my car at Bainbridge Island, as usual, and walked onto the ferry. Of course, I had to get some skyline pics:

This one is kind of cool because of the wave heading towards the ferry.

I could see Mt. Ranier today, and got some cool pics of that, as well. For those who don't know, Mt. Ranier is south of Seattle.

I've never gone up on the sun deck of a ferry (why, I don't know, just haven't bothered, I guess). Today I did and got some great views...and very wind-blown!

All-American Ferry:

The Elliott Bay:

Port of Seattle (and Mt. Ranier):

Pulling in to the Ferry Dock:

Now it was time to set foot in Seattle and have some fun. I went first to Pioneer Square to look around. Right away I found an antique mall and I found some fantastic treasures there (Snoopy, of course). I only spent $25 but I got a vase and a bank I have been looking for, and some old Snoopy pencils (still in package). Yay!

After this, I made my way to Elliott Bay Book Company. I ended up buying a book called "Lucy," about FDR's mistress, and pristine used copies of Bridget Jones' Diary and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. Along the way to the book store I snapped a few pics.

Chief Seattle:

2nd Avenue through Pioneer Square:

Elliott Bay Book Company sign:

Pioneer Square isn't all that much, unless you're keen to do the Seattle Underground Tour (I'm not). So I reversed direction and walked up 2nd avenue (literally, as it is an uphill trek) towards downtown. Because it was beautiful and sunny, I decided a trip to the Space Needle was in order. The only time I'd been up was on an overcast day.

I figured I'd catch a bus, and so the first time I saw a bus stop, I checked out the routes. The route I wanted runs along 3rd avenue, so I hiked one block up the hill and started looking for bus stops. I walked, and I looked. Walked some more, looked some more. No bus stops.

Finally figured that I might as well walk my butt all the way to the Space Needle. So that's what I did. It's a long walk.

But the sun was shining and there were lots of people about, so I made the long trek to the Seattle Center.

I took this pic from the bottom, along with a pic of the Experience Music Project. Bought my ticket, got in line for the elevator, and up, up and away! The Observation Deck is 520 feet in the air. I'm not fond of heights, but I refuse to let my fear of them make me miss out on such experiences.